Best Glamping near Kensington, MN

Glacial Lakes State Park and Lake Carlos State Park near Kensington offer upscale glamping accommodations surrounded by pristine Minnesota wilderness. Both parks feature modern yurts with panoramic views, comfortable queen beds with linens, and climate-controlled interiors for year-round enjoyment. Tipsinah Mounds also provides boutique camping options with lakefront glamping sites that include electricity and private decks overlooking Pomme de Terre Lake. "The camper cabins were really amazing. Fishing Pier and a small lake to canoe and kayak on. I'd definitely come back," noted one visitor. These eco-friendly glamping sites provide the perfect balance between luxury and nature, with many offering kitchenettes, solar-powered lighting, and insulated walls that maintain comfortable temperatures regardless of Minnesota's seasonal weather patterns.

Scenic hiking trails weave through rolling prairie landscapes and around glacial lakes, connecting glamping accommodations to prime recreational areas throughout the parks. Guests can rent canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks directly from Lake Carlos State Park, while Tipsinah Mounds offers access to crystal clear waters ideal for swimming and fishing. A recent visitor mentioned, "The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm. Our favorite part of this trip was renting stand up paddle boards." Winter transforms these glamping destinations into snowy retreats with cross-country skiing trails at Andes RV Park and snowshoeing opportunities at Glacial Lakes. Local wildlife viewing is exceptional year-round, with beavers frequently spotted near the glamping yurts at Glacial Lakes. Reservations should be made well in advance for these popular glamping cabins, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons when availability becomes limited.

Best Glamping Sites Near Kensington, Minnesota (7)

    1. Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Carlos, MN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 852-7200

    "This isn’t a quiet campground during the day but campers were very respectful of quiet hours at night."

    "We needed a park that was close and had equestrian camping so we decided to go to Lake Carlos State Park."

    2. Andes RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Kensington, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 965-2455

    $45 - $125 / night

    "The facilities are top-notch, with brand-new, spacious bathrooms and showers that were really nice and clean!"

    "Spent 1 night, but slept well due to no noise. Golf cart rentals, and trails from the park. Would definitely recommend."

    3. Glacial Lakes State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Starbuck, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 239-2860

    "The trails in the park have nice rolling hills and offer a unique type of beauty. The campground is small, but offers some electric sites as well as some primitive sites."

    "Oak ridge is perfect for larger rigs (<35 feet - anything bigger there are only 2 spots that will fit) (no electric or water). Clean vault toilets. Lots for kids to do."

    4. Tipsinah Mounds City Park

    7 Reviews
    Evansville, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 685-5114

    "Not lakeside but nicely secluded. There is a nice beach and the lake is clear. There is a big playground, basketball court, and ball field."

    "Beautiful location. most lots are lake front. camper spots are easy to get into and spacious. two primitive areas, one by the beach and the other is tucked back in the trees(super secluded). people at"

    5. Glendalough State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Battle Lake, MN
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 864-0110

    "Went on the hiking club trail around Annie Battle Lake, most of it is even paved for biking or groomed for skiing."

    "We had a really great weekend exploring Glendalough, in the Ottertail Lakes region where the northwoods transitions out to prairie."

    6. Games Lake County Park

    15 Reviews
    New London, MN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 354-4453

    "Games Lake County Park, near New London, Minnesota, is a great spot for camping. With tent, RV, and cabin options, it suits all campers."

    "Just got back from a weekend at Games Lake County Park and honestly, it exceeded expectations!"

    7. Lakewood Supper Club

    1 Review
    Corona, SD
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 839-9972

    "On the shores of Big Stone Lake. A nice beach and a boat landing. There are normally no open sites, we are told, as they are all rented for the season."

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Recent Glamping Photos near Kensington, MN

13 Photos of 7 Kensington Campgrounds


Glamping Reviews near Kensington, MN

76 Reviews of 7 Kensington Campgrounds


  • Anjanette P.
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    You Can’t Beat the Lake Access

    We stayed in the lower campground, site 89. Nice tree canopy above although the sites themselves don’t have much privacy. This isn’t a quiet campground during the day but campers were very respectful of quiet hours at night. Direct access to the lake from the campground with a sandy beach and plenty of lakeshore for everyone. Many campers brought their boats and kayaks. Short drive to Lake Brophy County Park to ride the mountain bike trails or jump on the Central Lakes Bike trail.

  • Allison  K.
    Jul. 11, 2019

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Beautiful but a bit crowded

    I am from a suburb of Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota and we wanted to go camping with my in-laws who have horses. We needed a park that was close and had equestrian camping so we decided to go to Lake Carlos State Park.

    Lake Carlos State Park is roughly 2.5hours from the Twin Cities and is a beautiful getaway for a weekend trip. You can leave after work on a Friday and still have time to make it to the park, set up and still be able to cook dinner and enjoy a s’more or two.

    We booked site H3 in the equestrian campground which was a VERY open site right off the main loop in the equestrian campground. It was very sunny and barely any shade for the horses. The site were in was electric and there were only three non-electric sites in the equestrian campground. The other sites were awesome for shade but were still super open to everyone.

    There were great trails for hiking and horseback riding. They also allowed mountain biking on the trails.

    The staff at the office were super friendly and they talked to us for about 15 minutes. Their store in the office was pretty great and they had everything from toys for the kids to s’mores stuff and stickers specific to the park. The firewood was pretty fast burning and cost 6$ a bundle so it was pretty spendy since we cook only over the fire.

    The main campground was VERY busy and jammed packed. The sites were too close together and open for my comfort.

    The beach was very dirty and there were army worms everywhere crawling on everything.

    We took a little bike ride to the group camp which was an amazing area with a very nice shelter with electric.

    All in all, this is a good park to go to if you are looking for a park close to the twin cities metro area.

  • HollyRose M.
    Nov. 7, 2020

    Glendalough State Park Campground

    Well Managed

    Woah love this park! Has so many things to do.

    • Went on the hiking club trail around Annie Battle Lake, most of it is even paved for biking or groomed for skiing.

    • The yurt and watercraft sites are secluded and so awesome with great views, right on the lake, firewood and water back there available specifically for that area... so cool.

    • The cart in sites and camper cabins are in a little old growth forest area right on the lake up in a little hill area. Spaced out quite well, all have views of lake (even though on a hill so for swimming/boating access you gotta go to appropriate spots). What a site for camping!

    • Very clear and calm lakes, sandy, and the little creeks/rivers betwixt them are just begging to be canoed or kayaked.

    • Great swimming areas and picnic tables and fire pits everywhere. Vast views and also pretty wooded areas.

    • Shower and rest rooms very modern by the trail center.

    All in all so cool that they kept it so rustic has a cool history! Big views and wooded views which I love. Various walks, streams and lakes. Campground is the real deal and good for anyone who wants a wilderness experience without actually backpacking! Great for kids, for sure!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Andes RV Park

    Great camping spot!

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had an incredible stay at Andes RV Park! The facilities are top-notch, with brand-new, spacious bathrooms and showers that were really nice and clean! The park offers a fantastic range of activities, including golf cart rentals, volleyball, horseshoes, disc golf, pickle ball, etc…and in winter, cross-country skiing and tubing—there’s something for everyone! The laundry room, the firewood and the ice delivery service were a convenient touch, and easy as a quick phone call or text. The owners were exceptionally friendly and accommodating, making us feel right at home. Highly recommend this gem for a fun and relaxing RV camping experience!

    Side note: if coming in summer make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!!!

  • L
    Jun. 14, 2021

    Tipsinah Mounds City Park

    Great place!

    We stayed in V5. Not lakeside but nicely secluded. There is a nice beach and the lake is clear. There is a big playground, basketball court, and ball field. The store has necessities and they will even make you a pizza and deliver to your site. In the afternoon they have a hay ride (without the hay) around the grounds, kids loved it. Shower facilities were clean, and they have a nice set up of handicap accessible showers and bathroom. We'd stay here again.

  • Farfisa J.
    Jul. 30, 2022

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    On The Lake

    Nice larger sites, usual campground stuff. I stayed across from the lake and it was great. Fire pits, wood for sale, showers, water, etc.

  • M
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Absolutely Beautiful!

    We are camping/glamping in. 30’ fifth wheel. The sites here are spacious and cozy at the same time. Feels like we are deep in the forest but civilization is close enough for WiFi! Get some firewood from the Ranger, the fire pits are great!!

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2025

    Lake Carlos State Park Campground

    Lakefront (winter edition)

    I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail. They have 1 site (electric) available in the winter. We had room for a truck bed camper and a pop-up clam ice fishing tent. A couple and their 2 dogs stayed in the truck camper and me and another friend stayed in the clam with an electric space heater going in addition to our 0 degree bags. It stayed pretty cozy! Fire ring and picnic table at the site. I believe the bathrooms and showers were closed for the season but cannot recall. Firewood is available at the office.

  • Henry L.
    Feb. 11, 2025

    Games Lake County Park

    Games Lake County Park – A Perfect Camping Getaway

    Games Lake County Park, near New London, Minnesota, is a great spot for camping. With tent, RV, and cabin options, it suits all campers. The park offers electric hookups, clean facilities, and friendly staff. FR Legends recommends this park for its peaceful atmosphere and great amenities. Located near Games Lake, it’s perfect for fishing, boating, and family fun. A playground, beach, and boat launch make it a great getaway. Open May to September, it’s ideal for outdoor adventures!


Guide to Kensington

Kensington, Minnesota sits in a region characterized by glacial moraines and rolling prairie, with elevations ranging from 1,300-1,400 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes, with winter temperatures often dropping below zero and summer days reaching the mid-80s. Camping options near Kensington include state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds where visitors can experience both prairie and woodland environments.

What to do

Paddle on no-wake lakes: At Glendalough State Park Campground, you can enjoy calm waters without motorboat disruption. "Only Tents Allowed--this is the most serene place! They don't allow motor boats on one of the lakes so there is always calm water to canoe, kayak, swim, or paddleboard in," notes a camper.

Explore winter activities: Winter camping options include cross-country skiing at Andes RV Park. "Outstanding trails that they use in the winter time for cross-country skiing with tons of outdoor activities," mentions one visitor. The park also offers tubing when snow conditions permit.

Fishing opportunities: Fish for panfish in the numerous lakes surrounding Kensington. "We saw many deer, caught many pan fish and observed an eagle in its nest," reports a Glendalough visitor. Many campgrounds offer fishing piers or direct lake access.

Hike prairie trails: The region's unique prairie landscape provides distinct hiking experiences. "Beautiful park with rolling prairies. Oak Ridge campground is prettier, quieter, and more private than the Lower campground," explains one visitor to Glacial Lakes State Park.

What campers like

Modern bathroom facilities: Andes RV Park receives consistent praise for its facilities. "Brand new restroom and shower facilities with laundry," states one camper. Another mentions, "Nice, new rv park. Not far off I 94. Spent 1 night, but slept well due to no noise."

Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Kensington, Minnesota offers a comfortable alternative to tent camping. "My friend & I stayed in their Osprey yurt, and it was perfect for our first camping trip together. I recommend yurts if you're not 100% comfortable with/enjoy staying in a tent," shares a Glendalough State Park Campground visitor.

Lakefront sites: Many campers value waterfront locations. "Nice large campground. There is a lower portion and upper portion with the lower campground being lakefront," explains a visitor to Lake Carlos State Park Campground. Lakefront sites often book quickly, especially during summer.

Cart-in camping: Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere of cart-in sites. "The tent sites are all cart in, making the scenery the main focus. You don't have to stare at vehicles while you are enjoying a fire, which I love," notes a Glendalough visitor.

What you should know

Seasonal bug activity: Be prepared for insects, particularly in prairie areas. "Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray," warns a Glacial Lakes State Park Campground visitor.

Water level variations: Lake levels can change throughout the season. "The lake was really high when we visited, which led to a useless campground fishing pier and a boat dock that you had to swim to to use," reports one Glacial Lakes camper.

Limited shower access: Some campgrounds have shower facilities located far from certain camping areas. "Parking near showers was close to non existent," notes a Glacial Lakes visitor. Another points out, "Would be nice to have showers in the Oak Ridge campground as it's a long walk to the Lower campground."

Tent site considerations: Pay attention to site selection for tents. "Your tent will be on rocks, not grass," mentions one camper at Glacial Lakes State Park. Some sites lack flat spaces or have limited hammock options.

Tips for camping with families

Try cart-in camping: Tipsinah Mounds City Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Restroom and shower facilities onsite, some lakefront campsites and some that are not. Public boat launch, sandy swimming beach, picnic shelters," reports a visitor. The park also has a playground and sports facilities.

Look for family-oriented activities: Many campgrounds offer family-specific programming. "In the afternoon they have a hay ride (without the hay) around the grounds, kids loved it," shares a Tipsinah Mounds visitor.

Consider camper cabins: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "Had a great stay, everything was as expected with a camper cabin. Beautiful park with great trails and a beautiful lake!" notes a visitor to Glacial Lakes State Park.

Bring water recreation gear: Swimming beaches and calm waters make water activities popular. "A basketball court, playground, a nice Sandy beach. Tent sites right by lake. Great for fishing and all types of water sports," explains a Tipsinah Mounds visitor.

Tips from RVers

Reserve early for summer weekends: The limited number of RV sites fill quickly, especially at popular parks. "There are normally no open sites, we are told, as they are all rented for the season," reports a visitor to Lakewood Supper Club.

Check site dimensions: Some campgrounds have limitations on RV size. "We are camping/glamping in 30' fifth wheel. The sites here are spacious and cozy at the same time," notes a Lake Carlos State Park camper. Not all sites accommodate larger RVs.

Look for full hookup options: Available hookups vary by campground. "We decided to try camping in a 30' fifth wheel. This park is outstanding! Friendly service was in the easy check-in and checkout process," shares an Andes RV Park visitor.

Consider seasonal conditions: Year-round camping opportunities exist but with varying amenities. "I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail. They have 1 site (electric) available in the winter," explains a Lake Carlos camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Kensington, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Kensington, MN is Lake Carlos State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Kensington, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 glamping camping locations near Kensington, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.